The Crowd Roars (1932)

Ann Dvorak: Lee Merrick

Photos 

Quotes 

• Lee Merrick : You're somebody who thinks all you have to do is win a race and bring home a trophy and first prize money and I'm satisfied. But you're wrong. When you get back from a race or when I see that checkered flag, I'm glad and I'm happy. Not because you've won! But, because I've got you back. You're safe. Oh, Joe, why you go on anyway? Risking your life for nothing. Grinding away. Little money. A few cups. Crowd yelling in the grandstand. A lot of people watching for wrecks or roaring for blood. All they want to see is a car turned over a half a dozen times and hold their breathe. When the ambulance takes away what's left of you, they point to it and say, "Oh, isn't it awful. They're taking him away." That's why I want you to quit driving. That's why I wished you'd stop drinking too. If you'd stop, maybe you'd listen to reason.

• Anne Scott : Playing nurse maid to a kid, huh? And I suppose you'll stay home and keep the kettle boiling. No fun. No dates. No shows. No nothing. Just sittin' at home, taking care of the lighthouse. You're right. Maybe I'm crazy. I don't know.

  Lee Merrick : You don't understand.

  Anne Scott : Oh, that's a sucker's alibi. Some people are born dumb. But, that isn't your case. I knew you when you were smart. But, you're getting dumber and dumber everyday.

• Anne Scott : [Wearing a dress, sitting in a chair with her legs, in full view, propped up on a nearby table, talking about Joe's brother]  You'd think we were trying to ruin him or something.

  Joe Greer : You're all tricked out for it!

  [shoves her legs, propped up on the table, to the floor] 

  Joe Greer : Why didn't you stand on your head while you were about it.

  Lee Merrick : Say, you can't treat my friends that way!

  Joe Greer : I don't care who you run around with; but, you can't throw that kid in with a dame like this.

  Anne Scott : Hey, you big bozo, who do you think you're talking to? You think you're at the race track or something?

• Lee Merrick : Come on, quit stallin' Joe, let's have it. What are you driving at?

  Joe Greer : All right, you're asking for it. I guess I got to tell ya. I asked when you first met him to soft peddle when the kid was around. And I come up here and find him lapping up booze with you. That was the payoff. I'm going to keep him off booze and women!

  Lee Merrick : Booze and women? Now I know where I stand. Women! Every woman knows what a man means when he says it that way. But she thinks he means someone else and not herself. Well, I know what you mean. I'm not that dumb! You've made it clear - plenty clear. We're through, huh? That's your payoff! Well here's mine!

  [Slaps Joe, then breaks down crying] 

  Lee Merrick : I'm sorry, Joe.

  [Joe starts to leave] 

  Lee Merrick : Joe! Don't go! I didn't mean that! I didn't mean it! I'm sorry! Joe, please! No! It doesn't matter. Nothing matters as long as you stay, Joe. Joe, you can hit me! Please!

• Spud Connors : It's about Eddie and Ann.

  Lee Merrick : What about 'em?

  Spud Connors : Oh, I don't have to have a house and lot fall onto me to know what's going on. Eddie's crazy about that girl, Lee. He's cuckoo!